Question
On what properties of water does the ascent of xylem sap depend?
Solution
The ascent of xylem sap depends on the following properties of water :
i. Cohesion – It is themutual attraction between water molecules.
ii. Adhesion – It is the attraction of water molecules to polar surfaces (such as the surface of tracheary elements).
iii. Surface Tension – The water molecules are attracted to each other in the liquid phase more than to water in the gas phase.
